Lead Bus Driver

Los Alamitos Unified School District; California; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamitos Unified School District is seeking a Transportation Coordinator to plan and coordinate daily bus routes, assign drivers, dispatch buses, and ensure safe transport for students.

Based in California, this role requires strong organization, good communication with drivers and school staff, and the ability to generate reports and perform clerical duties as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and a safe driving record.
• 3 years driving experience required for driving and route coordination.
• Valid California driver’s license with passenger endorsement.
• Ability to interpret transportation policies and schedules.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily bus route adjustments.
• Assign drivers to routes, events, and field trips; manage substitutes.
• Dispatch drivers and buses for routes and field trips; monitor routes.
• Maintain logs on mileage, student counts, and driving times.
• Prepare monthly transportation reports and records.
• Communicate with drivers, parents, and school staff regarding schedules.

Skills

Dispatching

Route planning

Communication

Record keeping

Team coordination

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Two-way radio

Computer literacy

Office equipment

Job description

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Director of Facilities, Maintenance, Operations and Transportation or his/her designee, plan, schedule, and coordinate daily adjustments to bus routes and the District’s pupil transportation program; assign bus drivers to designated routes, special events, and field trips; dispatch drivers and equipment; provide clerical support; transport students to and from school, special events, and on field trips; and perform a variety of other job-related duties as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Perform all duties of the Bus Driver Classification when directed; assure safety of passengers and maintain proper discipline of passengers.
2. Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily adjustments to bus routes and schedules in accordance with established guidelines; review routes and schedules and recommend changes as needed.
3. Assign drivers to designated routes, special events, and field trips requiring bus or truck services; coordinate the assignment of substitute drivers.
4. Maintain daily records of mileage, student count, driving time and non-driving time; prepare monthly reports.
5. Complete schedules for pick-up and delivery times of regular routes and field trips.
6. Dispatch bus drivers and buses on routes and field trips; dispatch emergency vehicles, drivers, and mechanics as needed.
7. Operate and monitor two-way radio base station to communicate with drivers.
8. Communicate with drivers, parents, school administrators, and department employees regarding bus schedules or related matters.
9. Maintain a variety of logs, records and files related to transportation; prepare required reports.
10. Assist in adherence of District and State Transportation policies, rules and regulations; maintain current knowledge of legislation related to transportation of students.
11. Record data and generate reports relating to routes, schedules, and other transportation functions.
12. Attend in-service training and other meetings as directed.
13. Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of the department.
14. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

1. Applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to pupil transportation.
2. Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
3. Methods, practices and procedures of dispatching transportation vehicles.
4. Operation of a computer, standard office equipment and two-way radio.
5. Telephone techniques and etiquette.
6. Record-keeping techniques.
7. Health and safety regulations.
8. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
9. Oral and written communication skills.
10. Bus routes, traffic laws, and driving conditions within the district boundaries.

ABILITY TO:

1. Plan, coordinate, schedule and make daily adjustments to District bus routes and schedules.
2. Drive a school bus safely, effectively and efficiently.
3. Maintain a variety of logs, records, and files.
4. Interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
5. Operate a variety of office equipment including a two-way radio and a computer and applicable software.
6. Understand and follow oral and written directions.
7. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
8. Plan and organize work.
9. Understand and resolve issues, complaints, or problems.
10. Meet deadlines and observe time lines.
11. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
12. Maintain confidentiality.
13. Read a variety of materials.
14. Work effectively within a team, coordinating with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners to complete tasks, achieve goals, and resolve issues in a collaborative and efficient manner.
15. Demonstrate a commitment to Los Alamitos Unified School District’s mission, vision, and priority goals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: High School Diploma, GED, or Certificate of Completion and a safe driving record and 3 years driving experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Class A or Class B California Driver's License with passenger endorsement;
• Bus Driver Certificate issued by the California Highway Patrol;
• Incumbents must be able to pass a First Aid test issued by the Highway Patrol or American Red Cross; (if the CHP test is waived); and have a valid medical examiner’s certificate as required by the Department of Transportation..
• Maintain clear drug and alcohol screenings.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

School bus environment; subject to traffic and weather conditions and noise; work both inside and outside; sit for long periods of time while driving; occasionally stand, walk, kneel, squat, crawl, stoop, bend; work with arms above shoulder level; repetitive use of hand, arm, and shoulder, lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds; able to hear normal voice conversation; speak clearly; depth perception; have color vision/distinguish shades; see small details; see long distances; exposed to fumes, strong odors, gases; exposed to minor contagious illnesses; direct contact with students, parents, the public, and other district staff. Work with equipment with noise levels up to 92.6 dB. May be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings.